Red Moms' Club Doctors

Oh, Al, Mrs Finch's radiology report's back, so when you're ready.

I will be duly ready to face the day after I've had my mandatory quota

of freshly brewed coffee.

I believe today we have... Is that Colombian or is that Kenyan blend?

No-frills discount. There you go.

-Amazing.

-Don't say we don't splash out.

And I e-mailed you those titles as well.

Yeah, thanks.

I love Amelia Harry. She's got this great way of making CBT accessible.

That's why I chose them.

Oh, er, besides the talking therapy books, another idea - how about

adding some self-help books, you know, including eating disorders, anxiety?

Yeah, I like it. A psychology section in the library is possible?

Hm! Don't ask me. Bend Mrs Tembe's ear.

You OK?

Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Shipshape and Bristol fashion.

MACHINE BEEPS

This thing is from the Stone Age.

They make them with Wi-Fi now and everything.

Thump that again and I'll thump you!

Ow!

It's so old it runs on coal.

Ta-da!

Lucky.

-What was that about with Megan and Jimmi?

-No idea.

They are getting really chummy, aren't they?

Look, if Jimmi would rather have lunch with his new best friend, then it's his loss. I don't care.

Mm! Sounding bitter and jilted, Haskey. Not pretty.

-Is that why you were avoiding them?

-Were you?

Look, just because everyone else is over the moon with our new recruit doesn't mean that I have to be.

First the printer, now Megan. What's got into you?

-Just haven't taken to her.

-Oh, please!

All right, fine. I find her insincere.

She's actually a real laugh if you get to know her.

Unlike misery guts here.

Oi, oi, oi!

DOOR BUZZES

Hi...Charlie! I was just buzzing you.

Are you going out?

Yeah. Wasn't expecting you.

I did send you a letter.

Must have gone to my old address.

No, I think the address is fine.

It's just I haven't seen you at ante-natal clinic.

Been a bit tied up.

Yeah, but clinic's important. And you are, what, four and a half?

Things are awkward.

Look, I could schedule a home visit, if you want.

-Do you want...

-Don't matter.

-Have you got time to see me now?

-I'm late.

Got to ring Benefits and get this chap fed.

Right.

I've got to go up to the second floor for a visit.

Why don't I just pop back in a bit?

Sure.

I want you to treat this as your home.

That's kind. Thanks.

I'm going to cook something special for us tonight.

Mm! I'm being spoilt.

I have made some room in the wardrobe for you and left you

some space in the bathroom for your toiletries.

I don't need that much space.

Is this all you've brought?

Yeah, and a few carrier bags.

Ah. You have left most of your belongings.

Got the essentials. I get by on what I need.

Well, that is an admirable quality.

-I've moved that many times, I lost count.

-Oh.

My mantra is the less you have, the easier.

Easier to what?

To pack up and go. Always prided myself on that.

All these books need shelving.

-Oh, I'll do it.

-On that thing?

Recovery's a lonely road, Karen. I'll manage.

KAREN LAUGHS

Hang on a minute! We've all done our stint, thank you.

-Got some clinic samples for the post.

-I'll do it when I've finished here.

Can it go out today, though?

Valerie, for goodness' sake!

Sorry.

Karen, where, oh, where is my next patient?

Ooh, hang on. Ah, she cancelled.

Great(!) Well, thanks very much for letting me know.

You see, I'm not currently telepathic.

-Oi!

-What was that for?

Biting everyone's head off.

It's this damn headache.

-Again?

-Yeah, it's driving me mad.

So stop taking it out on everyone and take something.

I have. I'm on the prophylaxis now cos the Triptans weren't working.

You figured out what your triggers are?

No, I've tried all the usual suspects. In fact, I've tried everything.

Nothing's working.

-RUHMA:

-Well, I'm chasing one of my mums down.

She's missed a few ante-natal appointments. I don't know.

I'm just worried about her.

SHE CHUCKLES

Very funny. Seriously, though, something just seems off.

-No, no, no, don't put me on hold again!

-OK, so I've just spotted the buggy outside a phone box and

-she sounds a bit angry.

-No!

No, I've got a half-day. I'm meeting Megan for lunch and I cannot wait.

Aargh!

OK. Yeah.

I'll speak to you later. OK, bye.

Hey, you OK?

Flipping Benefits keeping me on hold!

-Is your phone not working?

-I'm at a phone box!

They'll stop my money. Oh, it's eaten my pound!

Sorry, love, Mummy's going to get you a drink in a minute.

Here, I've got some.

Don't do that.

But I've got the change. It's not a problem.

BABY CRIES

Oh, you're joking, it's eaten this one too!

I've got an idea. Why don't we go indoors

and you can sort Olly and then you can use my mobile?

I'll pay you back when my benefits come through.

Charlie, it's a quid.

Maybe just a quid to you.

-OK, I didn't mean it like that.

-Just cos I'm reduced to benefits doesn't mean I can't pay my way.

I know you've got your pride and you don't want pity hand-outs.

-I know because I've been a single mum.

-Wouldn't have guessed.

Well, there you go.

So shall we have a little chat after you've sorted Olly?

All right.

Come on.

You called to say that you'd had a burglary?

Well, we've had a look round the outside of the house.

So...somebody's gone to town.

Julie gives me a lift to work, goes shopping...

comes back to this. It doesn't make sense.

Right. Well, I can't find any signs of forced entry so far.

Has anything been taken?

Everything's still here... just ruined.

I don't get it.

It could have been a random opportunist or somebody could know your routine.

-How'd you mean?

-Could this have been done by somebody for personal reasons?

Have you got any enemies - any disgruntled neighbours or colleagues?

I run a plumbing business. It ain't exactly cut-throat Wall Street.

Must be some lout chancing his luck.

No morning sickness, then?

No. I get really tired, though. Wasn't like this with Olly.

It could be a lack of iron. Could arrange for a blood test.

-You might need some supplements.

-Can't afford that.

Well, you wouldn't pay for it. It'd be free. You'd qualify under the Healthy Start scheme.

Never heard of it.

I'll give you a leaflet.

OK. Actually, do you mind if you don't come up?

The place is a bit of a mess.

Are you sure?

-Thanks for the phone, by the way.

-Charlie, I feel...

Not used to living on benefits.

How'd you do healthy food on a shoestring?

Well, it can be done. You get these vouchers for fresh fruit and free milk.

I could give you some recipes.

OK.

It's just hard.

Yeah. Is your partner not around?

No. We don't see a penny from him.

Well, that is tough.

And does the Child Support Agency...do they not help?

Not so far. He's good at giving them the run-around.

He'd rather see his kids starve.

When a relationship ends, it shouldn't stop someone being a parent, should it?

Exactly. Kids still need a roof.

We've were homeless for a bit.

-No way!

-Yeah.

Yeah, sleeping on people's sofas.

It was very hard. It's the kids you feel terrible for, isn't it?

Sometimes, I regret leaving.

Nothing worse than riches to rags, being broke and lonely.

I would have loved to go back to college.

Why didn't you?

My ex used to say I was too thick, better off at home.

He's right. My reading's not great.

There are adult literacy courses you could do.

You're like Tanisha. She's at my support group. Knows loads.

We're not your typical coffee morning.

It's good you're getting support.

We're called the Red Mums' Club.

That's different.

Come if you like. We could do with someone like you.

-Today?

-Yeah.

-OK, yeah, if you think I'd be any help.

Yeah. I'll sort childcare with my mum and meet you there.

All right. OK.

Ooh, Al, Al! I have got just the thing for you.

Now, I know that you're sometimes dismissive of alternative medicines,

but this really works for me.

It's a homeopathic remedy. Swear by it for headaches.

If you really believe that, then you are as weak-minded and as gullible as the rest of them.

Homeopathy is clap-trap.

It's available on the NHS in some places.

Yeah, places where the demographic of patients is made up of

loom-weaving, crystal-rubbing, lentil-eating hippies.

So that's a no, then?

OK.

What's up?

Do I look that bad in a uniform?

Oh, don't worry about that. They'll get used to you.

There's quite a range of women, isn't there?

Tanisha says any woman can end up on the breadline thanks to a bloke.

Tanisha sounds very worldly wise or world weary.

Tanisha sounds what?

This is Tanisha, club leader. Meet Ruhma, best midwife ever.

Charlie's been singing your praises. It's quite a unique support group you've got here.

Ruhma's got some leaflets for us.

Not breast-feeding, by any chance?

Nutritional advice on a budget. I'm not going to stay long.

-Where do you want...

-Jenny?

Show her the advice table.

What you playing at? Club business is confidential.

Don't stress. She's all right.

How'd you know? She's your midwife, not your mate, you idiot.

She's been a single mum, like us. She's on our side.

Can you vouch for her?

So I read an article recently that said that homeopathy

tends to be misunderstood by doctors.

One word - unwise.

Is that so?

Mm. It was in a very reputable magazine in the alternative medicine field.

Oh, right. And what reputable magazine was that? Was it Witches And Wizards Weekly?

No, it was Chakras, Runes And Auras, actually.

You really want to do this?

It is a pseudoscience based on fairy dust principles.

No, you see, what you do is you treat like with like.

So if you've got the symptoms of a cold, you use an onion-based remedy.

Or something else which will produce similar symptoms, like a runny nose or running eyes.

You do realise that's utterly ridiculous, don't you?

Homeopathic remedies have got healing powers. Don't care what you say.

Oh, you don't care what I say? I've got one word for you - placebo.

Ah, well, then how come it works for children, babies and animals?

Cos, apparently, they are too young to have developed the placebo response.

Ooh, hark at you!

No, no, no, no, no! I'm not having that. There is not one single molecule of

the original chemicals in the compounds that homeopaths use.

-You might as well be using rainwater.

-I don't think you're being very open...

Read my lips, Pitman - it is a con!

-TANISHA:

-And to recap, this morning went to plan. No hitches.

Thanks to Meadows, Rogers, Phillips and Klein.

Let's move onto the agenda. Today's discussion is about the statutory charge.

I've done some research and consulted the CAB.

Before we start, we've got someone new. Ruhma - Charlie's midwife.

Hey. Hello.

Ruhma's been a single mum too. Understands what it's like.

And she knows about eating healthy on a budget.

Yeah, I've got some leaflets up there, and if there is any advice you want on anything...

Right!

Sergeant Hollins, please.

Told you we weren't a typical support group.

It's cos we try to get informed.

About what, exactly?

You know, the law and stuff.

All the women in this club have been in relationships where their exes have left them poorer.

These men don't fork out for their kids.

Well, shouldn't the CSA be getting maintenance off them?

Yeah, but some mums here don't want to be found.

They can't take that risk.

Put them in the system and, bam!

Why the topic the statutory charge?

It applies to some members here due to their divorces.

-Did you know legal aid isn't always free?

-Yeah.

If you've gained property or assets,

you may have to pay back some or all of the costs provided by legal aid.

See? Tanisha knows about this.

Has Charlie told you why we're called the Red Mums' Club?

Because we live in the red and we're angry.

I understand there is hardship,

but I can't agree that anger is the answer.

You don't have to agree with me. Facts speak for themselves.

It's not enough to be informed.

We're about taking action, making the dads pay.

Um...what does that mean?

Club's over. We have to go.

Charlie, you need to stay.

Thanks for coming and everything.

MEGAN: What the heck is going on?

Oh, I don't know.

Charlie must be getting something from it.

Well, that's what's worrying

because she clearly needs the support, but it just seems so unhelpful.

Well, if they're struggling cos deadbeat dads aren't paying up,

then who can blame them for educating themselves?

Yeah, you're right. Anyway, I'm wittering on. How are you?

Paperwork morning - fun(!)

Oh, Al - he seemed to be suffering from a headache this morning.

He's still having them?

Yeah. He shot poor Valerie down for offering a herbal remedy.

Yeah, well, that's Al.

You'd have noticed - he doesn't have much truck for feelings or bedside manner.

Yeah, I can imagine.

Al prefers science and technology to human beings and messy relationships.

Yeah, I can see that. But there must be something more.

Has Al lost his father recently, by any chance?

How would you know... OK, you're good.

Very good.

Er, can you or Miss Pitman deal with the questionnaires from the PPG?

PHONE RINGS

-Valerie's on lunch.

-Yes, well, then you will have to do it.

Hello?

Oh, hello, Mrs Robinson, how are you?

What...

He's running around my house? And have you not called the police?

Right, um...

Is the bike parked on my drive?

It is...

It's just someone doing some DIY work for me.

They probably have not realised the music is so loud.

No, I will have a word with them when I get home.

Yes. Right, thank you.

-Are you OK?

-Yes. Yes, of course.

MEGAN: So, Jimmi...partner or kids?

You interested?

Not in that way. Purely professional.

-Sure it is(!)

-I'm mentoring him.

Well, you get on very well.

Stop it! He's easy to talk to, you know.

Well?

-Well, to be fair, it is a bit complicated.

-Oh, dear.

I mean, he's got baggage, like the rest of us

but, at heart, he's a very decent guy.

-You know, you could do a lot worse.

-I told you.

That's Charlie there, look, in front. Where are they going?

She looks like she's being frog-marched.

-I'm going to...

-I'll see you back at work.

-OK.

We don't need that. Look what I've got.

Ruhma! What you doing here?

Is this what the Red Mums do?

Get the petrol and the lighter out now.

Whoever's done this was trying to do me serious harm.

Well, they've certainly upped the ante. Maybe you're being followed.

Have you got any other assets?

-There's me van.

-Do you keep much stock in there?

It's got tools in it. You don't think?

You do seem to be the target.

-'Control to 7244.'

-7244, receiving, over.

'Can you attend a reported break-in at Letherbridge Park Garages? Others in attendance.'

That's mine!

Yeah, I'm on my way. Out.

So what's going on?

Whatever it is, it doesn't look good. Charlie?

The garage belongs to my ex.

We was targeting one of his assets.

METAL CLANGS

What does that mean?

Tanisha calls it collective acts of revenge.

On your ex-partners?

We really were a support group once.

Then we started doing harmless, stupid stuff, like prank calls.

And now?

Tanisha took over, said we needed to be more vigilante.

Why are you getting mixed up in this?

Do you do everything Tanisha tells you to do? Is it cos you're scared of her?

No!

It's gone too far. Someone's going to get hurt.

We never hurt people, just their stuff.

You've been hurt. You're putting this baby at risk.

What if it escalates? You're putting Olly in danger.

I'm doing this for them.

What if you end up in prison? Then what?

It won't come to that.

You don't know that.

Do you want to have this baby behind bars?

Charlie!

Do you have Mr Coo...

Oi! Lights off.

You OK?

Another migraine. But worse.

Beta blockers not working either?

Nope.

You need to see your GP.

Waste of time. I've gone private. Got a brain scan tomorrow.

Wow, OK. Some of my patients swear by acupuncture.

-What?!

-All right, don't bite my head off.

SOUND OF SMASHING

You don't understand.

Matthew's a nasty piece of work - controlling,

always bossing me about.

I can get back at him.

I doubt it. Retaliating - that's just sinking to his level, Charlie.

Tanisha says it takes courage to take action.

It took courage to leave Matthew.

-He bullied you, but what's changed?

-How'd you mean?

-Come on! I've saved the best bit for you. Let's do it.

-What?

Torch his van. Watch his money go up in smoke!

Don't do this, Charlie. This is stupid.

Is this being informed and helping vulnerable mums, then?

Yeah. Do you know how long Alex has been waiting to get a penny out of her bloke? Six years!

Six years! She was lucky.

Scottie lost her house, ended up in a homeless hostel,

got her kids taken off her.

The system doesn't help us. It's messed up!

It's up to us. Take back your power, Charlie.

Yeah, she's right. You take back your power, Charlie.

Don't be bossed about!

-Tanisha, I can't.

-You what?

I wanted Matthew's wallet to hurt. I didn't want it to go this far.

-Didn't want it to go this far? Pity's sake!

-Stop it.

Don't wimp out now. We need to show him.

Time for talk is over. We take action. Come on!

Yeah, you take action. You be courageous, Charlie, OK?

-Give me it.

-Charlie!

Charlie!

What you doing?

We can't do this.

Hey!

-POLICE SIRENS WAIL

-Police! Girls!

Do you think you've suffered a TIA?

No. Nothing's been found so far.

Could be a good sign.

I guess so.

And you've booked the scan.

Yeah, tomorrow will help clear things up.

Yeah, get to the bottom of it.

That's good, isn't it?

I had your back, Charlie. That's what Red Mums was about.

You're pathetic!

And you're a bully! No better than the bloke I left.

Not the first time I've seen that neon paint today.

-Should have known you were involved.

-I tried to make them stop.

She did.

You knew a crime was being committed, then?

You trashed my house.

They knew about the key.

Cos you told them.

Bet you're responsible for that trap that nearly maimed me!

No, honestly, I didn't know that they...

What else have they been doing?

You'll know soon enough.

You're a nut job. Arrest her!

Sir, I'm dealing with it.

Sorry, Matt, but it's been hard

having to go on benefits, food banks

while you buy bling for your girlfriend.

Didn't mean to hurt you. You're still their dad.

When it suits you.

She wasn't involved in any of the damage, OK? She's pregnant, Rob.

She's got another kid to look after too.

Charlie, I'm not going to arrest you, but you will need to come down the station to be interviewed.

What? She confessed!

Please, sir!

It's not right. Who wanted to end it, eh? Who?

That's enough. Try and remember your kids in all of this.

Oh, that's rich!

Ask her the last time she let me see Olly.

Because you... Know what?

When you're ready to pay support for your kid, then you can see him.

What I want is to ring my insurers,

sort out the mess she's made.

I'd better ring Mum. Could I?

Oh, yeah, of course. Sorry.

-There you go.

-Thanks.

She's not going to be charged, is she, Rob?

Well, if what you say is true,

I reckon the most she'll get is a caution.

LOUD ROCK MUSIC PLAYS

JJ, would you please...

JJ! JJ, please, turn it... Just turn it down!

Winifred! Hang on, I'll turn it down.

Look, I know I said that you should make this your home...

Yeah. I got me gear unpacked and found all me CDs.

Look, this is a very quiet area.

There are a lot of elderly people who are not necessarily used to this loud noise.

How much have you been drinking?

Just a couple of cans.

Sorry, I should have realised this was such a classy area.

That is not what I meant.

No, no... I don't fit in here. Maybe I shouldn't have moved in.

No, don't say that. Just give it time.

We will find a way to make this work.

So much for the law!

Everyone forgets I'm the victim in all this, not you.

Boo-hooing and belly-aching!

Just ignore him.

You can whistle for your child support.

Charlie!

You're not worth it. Keep your money.

I am the luckiest woman alive to be shot of you.

You didn't mean that, did you?

No chance. I really need the cash.

I've been job-hunting all day. Nothing.

Not even the odd bar shift.

I am sure that something will come along.

It's easy for you to say. You're a dream for any employer.

You know, there was a time that I thought no-one believed in me.

It was very painful, but it did pass.

You will be all right. I have faith in you.

Will you be honest with me?

Yes.

Do you regret asking me to move in?

Of course not.

Sure?

Come, let me get you to bed.

No. No, go. I'm all right.

How did it go?

Not brilliant.

What is it?

You ready?

Yeah, absolutely.

Listen, um...

How do you feel about, er...

It don't matter, it's nothing.

-No, no, no. Go on.

-It's nothing.